tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505264794592850882018-03-06T17:58:56.397+08:00The Book Trippernarj salazarnoreply@blogger.comBlogger404125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-88881690764316105162017-01-29T15:52:00.002+08:002017-01-29T15:52:28.650+08:00Take this book if you want to get lost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73RBnfTFVdc/WI2bOMAiUvI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/r_tsUGnAeL8OSjQx5VlG9d22SVPqYd_mACLcB/s1600/Capture.PNG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>o say that majority of the "secret" places in this book are awe-inspiring for the rookie and the newbie kind is an understatement because even if you're a non-traveler, I guarantee that you will feel that urge to grab the rucksack and start writing that list of places-you-want-to-visit-before-you-die. You read it right---you can take this book if you want to get lost, and mind-blown at the same time!<br /><br />I'm giving this collection a rating of 4.5 stars because the authors &amp; editors themselves deserved it. The Sumaguing Cave in Sagada is a worthy inclusion but I just wish they added more historically-relevant but less-known places in the Philippines like the Pandanan Island shipwreck diving site near South Palawan or the Bequibel Midden Shell site in a quaint location in Butuan.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbYQ6hF75jA/WI2beK4kJaI/AAAAAAAAFSU/WCIIfF6vhK4Yi0PY2iWFfa_Xl7TU87MEQCLcB/s1600/1.PNG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Bike tree in Vashon Island, Washington, USA</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3UCcL6R5Dc/WI2bfr6rT4I/AAAAAAAAFSY/b6KO6qOH8ogbezQ6HsRGhxmyVIYD7cn8gCLcB/s1600/worlds%2Bquietest%2Broom.PNG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The world's quietest room in Minneapolis, USA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTn0brfoY0A/WI2eYe4bcmI/AAAAAAAAFSo/ICKTnfnVJ1UZtTkS6MfOsp4HexGUkylCACLcB/s1600/split%2Brock.PNG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Devil's Marbles in Wauchope, Northern Territory, Australia</div><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">All images belonged to their respective owners.</span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Non-Fiction, Geography, History</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: Magnitude&nbsp;<span style="font-size: large;">4.5&nbsp;</span></span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-17902806043816887272016-12-20T14:38:00.000+08:002016-12-20T15:55:22.316+08:00So stoked for Blade Runner 2049<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The original Blade Runner film (1982) is my number one sci fi film of all time. But after hearing the news for a sequel last year, I wasn't really hyped about it for I remain skeptic with Ridley Scott only doing the producer's job.<br /><br />Not until I saw the first teaser trailer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/haXvp8M9Cog/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/haXvp8M9Cog?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br /></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-85920551117990943992016-12-11T10:44:00.000+08:002017-09-22T13:58:29.463+08:00It's Not How Good You Are, But How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KG-XoRaL8GQ/WEy8uj93_MI/AAAAAAAAFPs/oYS6b0kx7M0OlwiQeaCQImi5LyKOjjDtwCLcB/s1600/002b8078_medium.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KG-XoRaL8GQ/WEy8uj93_MI/AAAAAAAAFPs/oYS6b0kx7M0OlwiQeaCQImi5LyKOjjDtwCLcB/s1600/002b8078_medium.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">J</span>ust like the rest of self-help books, I'm holding a reservation for this book's effectivity as soon as I can put them (Paul Arden's set of "good" advice) to test, but judging so far by how they appear, how I understood them, and how I relate my experiences to them, the result is practically a point above skepticism. It's not bad but not so great either.<br /><br />Design-wise it's good, clearly given from the message inside the cover jacket that states "this book uses the creative processes of good advertising as a metaphor for business practice." Sure. The content on the other hand, shows a lot of amusing stories the ideas were based on, highly on the British author's experiences as an advertising executive. This is also good. But normally, the things we learned from personal experience are limited to how we understood that experience--what the experience meant to us.<br /><br />Sometimes our understanding is cleverly spot-on, but most of the time it is limited.<br /><br />Take for example his "Don't take no for an answer" idea. If you do that plainly and literally in any project, you're toast. You might also be percieved as disrespectful. Did the author performed magic to eventually earn the "yes"? Not really. There is a subtle fact that the author was able to reverse his client's decision and it's not about just not taking no for an answer, but it's about practically <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">KNOWING </span>how to make it a "yes". He made adjustments based on the client's negative feedback. And the next day, after begging for another presentation he earned it. It's no magic as the first time you see that mantra because it's incomplete. It should be rephrased as <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"Don't take no for an answer, if you know how to make it a yes."</span> If you do not know how to make it a yes, forget it. It's just employing the value of negative feedback and persuasion.<br /><br />There are more that I can add to this list of partially conceived ideas but in general and to be fair, the good ones especially the logical ones as clear as a daylight outnumber the weak ones. They are the following (along with my personal thoughts) :<br /><br />The Good ones:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">It's not what you know, it's who you know.</span> (Painfully true)</li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Without having a goal, it's difficult to score.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Your vision of where or who you want to be &nbsp;is the greatest asset you have.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">When it can't be done, do it. If you don't do it, it doesn't exist.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The person who doesn't make mistakes is unlikely to make anything.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Do not seek praise. Seek criticism.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Do not covet your ideas.</span> (And a lot of us are still selfish!)</li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Don't promise what you can't deliver.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">D</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">o not put your cleverness in front of the communication.</span></li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">If you get stuck, draw with a different pen.</span></li></ul><br /><br />The Weak ones:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Don't give a speech. Put on a show.</span> (Putting on a show is still deceptive. Better do it naturally as you are. Live it and don't give a f#ck.)</li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">It's wrong to be right.</span> (Being right is based on knowledge, experience. The irony here is, the author tells us not to trust what is knowledge in the past, based on his knowledge of the past also. He's practically saying&nbsp;<i>Experience is the opposite of being creative, folks so do not believe in what you learned from experience because I learned it from experience..WTF</i>)</li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Have you noticed how the cleverest people at school are not those who make it in life? </span>(Statistically wrong. The number of those who made it in life but did poorly at school is less than those unfortunate ones both in life and in school. In my experience, those who did great at school also did great in life. They are happy where they are now)</li><li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Don't be afraid to work with the best.</span> (Working with the best should be the ideal. It should be "Always want to work with the best." Who doesn't want to work with Hayao Miyazaki or Peter Jackson?)</li></ul><br />Looking at the list for now removes my initial feeling that buying this book is probably just a money-grab on behalf of Phaidon. I know that there is something good in this one but also I'm not looking for more unless somebody convinces me otherwise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y22nyalBw2s/WEy_BjBZScI/AAAAAAAAFP8/XLQdOx0PEuoSTTpQ334oYjjpSW4ZlEY5ACLcB/s320/DSC_0030.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Self-help, Business, Advertising</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3 ideas</span> based on experience that cannot be trusted</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-31292994704860018382016-11-29T17:31:00.001+08:002016-12-10T17:21:49.374+08:00Bloodshot Reborn Deluxe Edition 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ug3MH2UmJwg/WD1JBoeYtyI/AAAAAAAAFOc/RIl4JOolPSgNnerQggfYTX86J1K4n31_wCLcB/s320/Cover.PNG" width="219" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">The art is top-notch</span> for a character that reminds me heavily of Punisher, Deadpool, and Wolverine. But reading the whole edition covering Bloodshot Reborn issues 1 to 13 makes me conclude that the Bloodshot story here looks&nbsp;<span style="font-size: large;">very familiar</span>. I thought the emphasis should have been pinned into the secret of nanotechnology and its possible weaknesses (I wanted to see a possible counter-technology to the Nanites) but the "magic" of the Nanites was swept under the rug in exchange for action and continuity of the whole Bloodshot legend---or aptly, Bloodshot's Reborn. This is definitely more of an action story than a sci fi story because the narrative theme here belongs to Bloodshot himself---Ray Garrison, not some damn nanotechnology. &nbsp;It's just not so original as it seems. There are scenes that are so familiar like the last eye-candy Mad Max film reboot, Marvel Comics' Old Man Logan, and the first Matrix film when Neo woke up from the pod. Yup. That I think, sums it all.<br /><br />P.S. I got a review copy of this comic book via the Net Galley and reading it via Adobe Digital Editions app in my laptop is not a smooth read. I was still able to capture some screenshots though, just for review purposes. All images owned by Valiant Comics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eDNqaITy9w/WD1JjbVuZwI/AAAAAAAAFOg/-_eZi3z4It8YDQRIRJS5r19rxIKRMMPEwCLcB/s320/Capture6.PNG" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KRcUEc3whM/WD1J8mmC-xI/AAAAAAAAFOk/-XGLkdti6rMvwARBv3o7uuc4ufhr1n9mQCLcB/s320/Capture13.PNG" width="209" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ShiKYltM0I/WD1KV2CXTlI/AAAAAAAAFOo/ujBXO8NK-S8shUbkxPs5FE70hAdxXpjfgCLcB/s320/1.PNG" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvzx1QZKkxU/WD1KhYjNlbI/AAAAAAAAFOs/EZgfGOa6vtgasiMzZ5_HQMej2k1RfM9egCLcB/s320/Capture5.PNG" width="209" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Adult Action, Sci Fi</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: 3 pints of nano-blood&nbsp;</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-9608856581005631192016-11-22T14:02:00.000+08:002016-11-29T17:43:22.009+08:00The Secret of Sinbad's Cave by Brydie Walker Bain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxHy-c7jxQw/WDPeSpTNEOI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ci-gkFpXDHMMCOXwKCHF4kRhJA03eEH4QCLcB/s1600/TSSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxHy-c7jxQw/WDPeSpTNEOI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ci-gkFpXDHMMCOXwKCHF4kRhJA03eEH4QCLcB/s320/TSSC.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> took this novel around July last year and finishing it <b>sixteen</b> <b>months</b> later (with apologies to the author), I can say that the young readers will love this book. This fantasy-adventure story reminds me so much of Steven Spielberg's 1985 film The Goonies regarding the search for a lost treasure and skirmishes with modern day hunters and pirates. This one though, is populated with vibrant New Zealand flora and fauna like <i>nikau</i> palm, <i>rewarewa</i> seedlings, <i>kereru</i>, <i>tui</i>,<i> koura</i>, Waitomo glow worm, and also elements and representatives of Maori Mythology like the <i>Pouakai</i> (Haast Eagle) , <i>Taotoru</i> (Orions Belt), and the <i>patupaiarehe </i>(fairy) bird.<br /><br />Story-wise and as stated earlier, it caters to the YA readership but I think adult readers will also appreciate it especially if you love the New Zealand outdoors (as widely popularized by Peter Jackson's LOTR film trilogy) and the adventures of spelunking/potholing/caving. My only issue so far is how the character Mike was depicted as having no clue with regard to his daughter's whereabouts just after that child asked him about the location of hidden caves in the area. In real world, a parent can connect-the-dot quickly. It appears that Mike is the opposite, the counter-weight to Abraham's wisdom that creates a balancing order, an unexpected equilibrium shared by the two patriarchs for the whole pack. The children on the other hand are reckless being themselves and definitely lucky making you realize that you are indeed reading a fantastic novel. What I like most in this book are the background stories concerning the protagonist's ancestry, all ancient and in some angle, mythological. Tattoed Maori warriors summoned into <i>haka</i> dance is also a memorable scene.<br /><br />Overall the adventure here is quick paced and there is a promise of new adventures and new worlds to see for the gang and especially for their leader Nat. For her though, this is just a first step.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_3HXsRRhO4/WDPegRdEZZI/AAAAAAAAFOA/aAvkrND3xIAXmuCOl6se0YrlQHqJZybcwCLcB/s320/Pounamu%2BTaunga%2BNecklace.jpg" width="240" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pounamu Taunga</i> necklace</span></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Fantasy-adventure, YA</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <b>3.5 </b>stars out of 5</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-47294096645610833022016-08-12T17:48:00.001+08:002016-08-13T14:03:41.186+08:00Book Reviews Temporarily On Hold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am temporarily suspending my growing list of books for review.<br /><br />For authors who contacted me prior to this date (12th of August 2016) I assure you that I am committed to finish your books, namely <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Brydie Walker Bain</span> (The Secret of Sinbad's Cave), <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Cathy Kennedy</span> (Meeting of the Mustangs), and <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">JJ Sherwood</span> (Kings or Pawns). I will let you know when my review post is imminent.<br /><br />Please accept my apologies because I will be giving you super-late reviews (I took the Sinbad book last year!) as my Tsundoku stash continues to grow and stares at me like a vicious predator. Once again, my apologies for the late reviews and also for authors out there with new review offers that I will have to turn down.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZ032R0NGQ/V62dBT-YBoI/AAAAAAAAE90/mCXnefnXoRkBeRuzib_lIhd0xMHQV0_FgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-12%2B17%2B50%2B47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZ032R0NGQ/V62dBT-YBoI/AAAAAAAAE90/mCXnefnXoRkBeRuzib_lIhd0xMHQV0_FgCLcB/s320/2016-08-12%2B17%2B50%2B47.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-9739314641812638622016-07-16T22:05:00.000+08:002016-07-16T23:58:21.368+08:00If good sense stands alone, it will be taken as madness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3vyvKPIPQc/V4o2ekdx5qI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Aa1yCSEh208KDTYjkDply71XAJZ34i4GACLcB/s1600/24874346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3vyvKPIPQc/V4o2ekdx5qI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Aa1yCSEh208KDTYjkDply71XAJZ34i4GACLcB/s320/24874346.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his is one of the Penguin Little Black Classics "selections" that is surprisingly applicable to both the modern and the postmodern times, the Gen X and the Millennial generation. Taken from <i>The Pocket Oracle and the Art of Prudence---</i>a Spanish priest's collection of maxims on using guile and pragmatism to succeed in a dangerous world, I find this selection highly progressive and advanced from its year of publication in 1647. &nbsp;Translated from Spanish by Jeremy Robbins, I find Gracian's maxims as 90% agreeable and 100% insightful. And it is certainly more than how to use your enemies. It's more of using your common sense.<br /><br />I also believe most of The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene were based on this work by Baltasar Gracian because I see a lot of similar ideas (Never outshine your master, conceal your intentions, etc.) between the two books. Though it remains a theory given that I have yet to read the whole book by Greene and I'm using my assessment on its synopsis and back cover blurbs available in the book store and online.<br /><br />Some of my favorite maxims (including the title of this post):<br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">An image is made sacred not by its creator but by its worshipper.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Whoever wants to make their own opinion the measure of all things is an insufferable fool.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Enemies are of more use to the wise man than friends are to the fool.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The most independent person must still accept the need for friendly advice; even a monarch must be willing to be taught.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Get used to the bad temperaments of those you deal with, like getting used to ugly faces.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your will must be tenacious, not your judgement.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Take a joke, but don't make someone the butt of one.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The masses, ever critical, will not recount your success, only your failures.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ability and greatness must be measured by virtue, not by good fortune.</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKvqhYvcgNA/V4o6iW9ljnI/AAAAAAAAE64/nxdbvvme3MMDlx8WbNevcj4OhULiKIY-wCLcB/s1600/Baltasar-gracian.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKvqhYvcgNA/V4o6iW9ljnI/AAAAAAAAE64/nxdbvvme3MMDlx8WbNevcj4OhULiKIY-wCLcB/s1600/Baltasar-gracian.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Maxims, Selection</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: 4 images out of 5</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-31898833078434546132016-06-26T13:59:00.001+08:002016-06-26T14:02:17.792+08:00To change with change is the changeless state<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">E</span><span style="text-align: left;">ven if Bruce Lee was never my favorite fighter in history (he is in my top five though), this book deserves a 4 star rating for his wisdom, sincerity and character-driven philosophy far from his Hollywood-celebrity persona. His first idea ("Be water my friend") clearly grabs your attention and will assure you that you can expect solid punches for the duration of the book. Moreover, he is also skillful in illustrating dynamic scenes that perfectly fit into his popular (like the title of this post) and non-popular mantra.</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Collection, Philosophy, Non Fiction</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: 4 nonchaku</span><br /><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydSUNUZqXnw/V29u5_0N91I/AAAAAAAAE5k/Q_eDTXYpIIIRLPBlIADSlEzzNMke3c55gCLcB/s1600/2016-06-26%2B13%2B11%2B41.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydSUNUZqXnw/V29u5_0N91I/AAAAAAAAE5k/Q_eDTXYpIIIRLPBlIADSlEzzNMke3c55gCLcB/s320/2016-06-26%2B13%2B11%2B41.png" width="239" /></a></div></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-45386712875795020712016-02-20T23:42:00.000+08:002016-02-20T23:42:35.696+08:00Umberto Eco 1932-2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzYj7rrxRB0/VsiHZkABLnI/AAAAAAAAErc/K_crusRn8Io/s1600/220px-Umberto_Eco_1984.jpg" /></div><br />“The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else.”<br />&nbsp;― Umberto Eco</div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-35687871842850811252016-02-20T15:41:00.001+08:002016-02-20T15:47:53.093+08:00Ang Subersibo: Kabanata 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db3DFI0hRWc/VsgYK7t0M1I/AAAAAAAAEqI/yX4bPO_9raQ/s1600/27804236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db3DFI0hRWc/VsgYK7t0M1I/AAAAAAAAEqI/yX4bPO_9raQ/s320/27804236.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Halaw</span> ni Adam David at guhit ni Mervin Malonzo, ang aklat na ito ay isinalarawang kuwento ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo ni Jose Rizal. Saklaw ng librong ito ang unang kabanata ng dalawang nobelang naging bahagi na ng pag aaral ng mga kabataang Pilipino ng panitikang makabayan sa sekondarya. Ikinalulugod kong makita ang pagsasakatuparan ng proyektong ito ng Anino Comics sa mga batang mambabasa ngayon at sana nga ay lalo silang ganahan na basahin ang Noli at El Fili sa labas ng klasrum imbes na magbabad sa pagse-selfie, FB, at Dota.<br /><br />Akma ang pagkukuwento at pagsasalarawan sa estilo ni Jose Rizal at kahit na ang pagsasalarawan ng isang pagtitipon ay nagmukhang lamay kesa sa magmukhang piging posibleng sinadya ito para umayon sa temang madilim at seryoso.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Comic book adaptation</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">Tatlong patak</span> ng tinta sa lima</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-78282911510032640862016-01-26T17:39:00.000+08:002016-01-26T17:48:08.719+08:00The Gun by Fuminori Nakamura<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGJwfBnry_Y/Vqc-AW5iLjI/AAAAAAAAEc4/RGWMpqbZ6V8/s1600/FNGXX-19%2BFuminori%2BNakamura%2B-%2BThe%2BGun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGJwfBnry_Y/Vqc-AW5iLjI/AAAAAAAAEc4/RGWMpqbZ6V8/s320/FNGXX-19%2BFuminori%2BNakamura%2B-%2BThe%2BGun.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> completed listening to this award-winning debut novel by Funimori Nakamura as an audiobook narrated by Brian Nishii. It is fast in trying to build up the suspense and it has some interesting characters even if they never really stood out including the main character himself. It has a good beginning, average middle, and a good and very quick ending. While listening I was imagining the what if scenario if Raskolnikov discovered a gun instead of a hatchet in Fyodor Dostoevsky's masterful classic novel Crime and Punishment. But this is a modern crime fiction and the main character Nishikawa is different from Raskolnikov as much as the author Nakamura is far from the skill level of Dostoevsky. I would have given this 2.5 stars if not for the unexpected I-cant-do-it scene and then the quick return-to-the-original dark scheme of finally giving in under the spell of the Gun.<br /><br />I just could not stop thinking about the self-imposed limits of using a gun in a traditional crime fiction and it left me asking if there is anything else aside from just tiptoing the boundary between being a bad guy or a good guy and back? I was hoping that Nakamura could break the cliche of good-or-bad only dichotomy and wished that his protagonist, the budding sociopath could have traversed the boundary of being grey than being just white, or black. I was just thinking what could be the outcome if Nishikawa became an accidental hero instead of being just a murderer? A situation where he is forced to use the gun to protect his own or somebody else's life (?the police investigator) and not just to murder somebody who is a child beater? How will that change his feverish, murderous obsession with the gun when he accidentally used it and saved an innocent's life instead? Would that alienate him more and drive him worse than before? Will it force him to shoot himself? As a reader i would like to find out more.<br /><br />There's a lot of room for improvement but I think the quality of this book (as seen by the ones who gave this book the Shincho Award for New Author in 2002) lies within the context of being written and situated in the present-day Japan. As a gaijin reader (outsider) I learned something about &nbsp;the current Japanese opinion and sentimentality regarding the Americanization of Japan. This is a good attempt as a debut novel for Nakamura but as a reader, I wanted something more in a crime fiction like this.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Noir, Crime Fiction</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating:<span style="font-size: large;"> 3 black cats </span>out of 5</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-76291420936233692772016-01-25T14:45:00.004+08:002016-01-31T11:41:57.254+08:00A Final Goodbye to Shelfari<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>ny bookworm who is active online knows that Shelfari wont last that long ever since the owner (Amazon) bought Goodreads in 2013---a worthy, independent, and direct competitor at the time. Only last year, I joined Leafmarks in an attempt to look for a home in keeping track of my book reads and book-reading friends even if discussions were not active and the diversity of reading groups not yet established. After seeing active or rather, hyper updates in my gmail inbox from Leafmarks did I realize that the numbers of refugees are serious as a repercussion of that <a href="http://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/amazon-is-shutting-down-shelfari" target="_blank">decision</a> made by Amazon to shut down Shelfari. I can say that this diaspora of forum members who have no home online and do not want to be part of Goodreads is greater than substantial and I am sure that they have something (sad) to say about the move by Amazon.<br /><br />As I see it, the move will benefit both parties (commercial-vs-independent online groups) because Amazon can now focus promoting everything they have on Goodreads while private readers and authors (including programmers) who choose an independent platform and forum can now help in improving Leafmarks. I sympathize with those who loved <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/deathwalker/shelf" target="_blank">Shelfari</a> with all its simplicity and clean-looking UI and I miss those days when we can talk about anything regarding books. One of my favorite discussion was in the Flips Flipping Pages group (a Filipino group) talking about how to protect your book shelf from parasites and I had a lot of real fun in giving my own sarcastic view and also in reading different kinds of wise and intentionally not-so-wise suggestions. The fun part of being a forum member is that you can talk to a lot of interesting characters and personalities and you can also learn a lot from them. Another memorable group was the Sci Fi group where I can always find a worthy sci fi reading recommendation. Those are just my own experiences with Shelfari and I am going to miss them (if not missing them already). I have an account in Goodreads but I was never active in any group I joined and I heard a lot of not so good things regarding trolls, fake reviewers, propagandists, and cyberbullies targeting not just the readers but real book authors themselves. That is so UNcool. I am looking forward for Amazon to improve Goodreads (because I have an existing account there) &nbsp;and I also hope they stay away from Leafmarks.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77N2j15tepA/VqXEVj9Lt1I/AAAAAAAAEb0/3fY8ahMuaI8/s1600/shelfari-logo.png" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2008 - January 2016</div></div></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-37875692246113640212015-12-17T09:27:00.001+08:002015-12-17T09:27:38.808+08:00Rey, I am Your Cousin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a little bit loose</span> if you describe Episode VII as a rehash of tried and tested formula. As long as the Force exists, the Skywalker family affair remains the center of gravity in leading the dark or the light side. But if it ever was intended then it is still understandable given the existing canon, given the same constellations in a far away galaxy 30 years after the Evil Empire was crushed. It's a big task on the shoulder of J.J. Abrams to deliver the goods and I think he just passed the test. The Force Awakens is better than A New Hope (Episode IV) and just below The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on my overall ranking of the Star Wars Episodes. It's just sad to see the brutal demise of a template space cowboy---an icon that span generations of movie geeks and nerds. Who would have thought that Han Solo is now gone? He has a higher magnitude of awesomeness than Chuck Norris and if legend tells that Chuck Norris cannot die (I feel sorry for the cobra that bit him) then I thought Han Solo can't also die but I was wrong. <br /><br />Still, the force is strong in this one.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8YA4a0hHmQ/VnIN3eMPrvI/AAAAAAAAEDI/6Zmlu5xPIYE/s400/han-solo-hoth-station-black-white.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Farewell, Cowboy Bebop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange;">Rating: 9 out of 10 death stars</span></div></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-88249896036235805602015-11-26T02:01:00.000+08:002015-11-26T02:10:28.696+08:00Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>hether the author admits it or not, Halina Filipina is actually a good respite from the current crop of superhero/mythology tales in the local graphic novel scene. More than just about the title character, it's also about a beautiful love story between a Filipina-American learning to appreciate her roots and a local who despise things that destroys the Filipino. Together they learn and relearn what it means to be a Filipino. I personally like how Arre portrays "entertainment" as a cure and also a disease of our national consciousness. A simple jab to the jaw of game shows peddling instant high and temporary help just to earn ratings and millions of pesos in product endorsements. <br /><br />Overall, this book deserves the accolade it currently earns.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZXUdVXOQhE/VlX4TAiyMkI/AAAAAAAAECM/fpfKnwxK09A/s400/Halina1.jpg" width="278" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Modern Fiction, Graphic Novel</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">4.5 strands</span> of straw hat</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-86205680617745437822015-10-30T20:47:00.001+08:002015-10-30T20:47:23.495+08:00Sketchy, Doubtful, Incomplete Jottings of J.W. von Goethe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ8g1QhJGh4/VjNmPdaxPYI/AAAAAAAAD8M/kABVYAm5G6o/s1600/9780141397146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ8g1QhJGh4/VjNmPdaxPYI/AAAAAAAAD8M/kABVYAm5G6o/s320/9780141397146.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">As a derelict</span> reader of philosophy, I can only measure Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's musings on self-deceit, superstition, art, and ambition practically at face value. I imagined arming myself with a spade before reading this edition-- a Penguin books short collection from the German author/philosopher's original Maxims and Reflections (1749-1832) only to realize that I do not need any digging for deeper meanings because the proof is already in the surface. Well-known for his legendary novel Faust, most of Goethe's musings here are obvious to the open eyes.<br /><br /><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"Nobody can make&nbsp;judgements&nbsp;about history except those who have experienced history as a part of their own&nbsp;development. This applies to whole nations. The Germans have only been able to judge literature since the point they themselves have had literature."</span><br /><br />If he could only survive more than a century later, I am sure he will be thinking of how his countrymen judge their position in the world regarding War and Antisemitism. These next musings are not far from the first:<br /><br /><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"Only those people who are both clever and active, who are clear about their own capacities and can use them with moderation and common sense, will really get on in the world as it is."</span><br /><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"Whichever way you look at nature, it is the source of what is infinite."</span><br /><br />In general one doesnt need a mind of a genius to agree or disagree with his observations and maxims even if some were obviously outdated and most were flatly acceptable as they are. At the same time I could not consider them nearly as thought-provoking. Goethe's ideas were enjoyable as food for thought, but not so revolutionary.<br /><br />My final pick from his collection may describe the current state-of-affairs regarding the book reading world, something to think about:<br /><br /><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"The most mediocre novel is still better than mediocre readers, indeed the worst novel still participates in some way in the excellence of the genre as a whole."</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Opinion, Maxims</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3 paintings</span></span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-58432314384904814442015-10-22T19:05:00.000+08:002015-10-23T12:15:27.569+08:00When Coloring Books for Adults are All the Rage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWc9UY7lZk/Vii-02gJvZI/AAAAAAAAD7w/ZC_R5Lba87I/s1600/20151019_1932312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWc9UY7lZk/Vii-02gJvZI/AAAAAAAAD7w/ZC_R5Lba87I/s1600/20151019_1932312.jpg" /></a></div><br />...they are still nothing compared to the good ol' sketchbook stashed in the rucksack.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-I4Rmv9N1c/VijCUcpZo3I/AAAAAAAAD78/gRCqpdz7prw/s1600/20151022_185032a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-I4Rmv9N1c/VijCUcpZo3I/AAAAAAAAD78/gRCqpdz7prw/s1600/20151022_185032a.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-82028790378261278122015-09-21T09:15:00.002+08:002015-09-21T11:39:21.304+08:00101 Kagila-gilalas na Nilalang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m7l9w_g0bk/Vf9YzesD27I/AAAAAAAAD68/6AJIHd4yFI0/s1600/nilalang_product-shot.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Sadyang napakahusay</span>&nbsp;ang pagkakatimpla ng librong ito ni Edgar Calabia Samar. Sigurado akong sa di kalaunan ay magiging sanggunian ito ng mga baguhan at mga magbabalik-tanaw sa mitolohiyang Pilipino. Mula sa mga lamanlupa na katulad ng Tiyanak, hanggang sa mga aswang, halimaw, bayani, anito, diwata at hanggang sa mga bathala na katulad ni Talagbusaw at Mandarangen, nakakatuwa na makilala sila at malaman ng mambabasa ang karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa "pangontra" sa mga masasamang nilalang, at sa kabilang dako ang kahalagahan naman ng paniniwala sa mga mabuting nilalang. Palaging mayroong aral na mapupulot sa bawat kuwento ng pagsupil sa kasamaan at &nbsp;kahit kalaban man o kakampi, lahat sila ay kagila-gilalas.<br /><br />Kahit na kabataang mambabasa ang pinupuntirya nito, tingin ko ay masisiyahan din kahit mga matatandang mambabasa dahil tiyak na maaalala nila ang mga kuwento ng kanilang Lolo at Lola noon. Ako mismo ay nakaalala ng kuwento ng Tatay ko mula sa mga pahina nito. Kahit na siniksik sa isandaan at isa ang bilang ng mga nilalang sa dami ng aklat na pinagsanggunian, nakakatuwang isipin na mas madami pa dito ang aktuwal na bilang nila. Nagkatalo lang sa kanya-kanyang salin(bersyon), bigkas, at baybayin depende sa pinagmulang tribo ng paniniwala.<br /><br />Sa henerasyong nahumaling at nalasing sa maka-kanlurang mito ni Harry Potter, mas matimbang pa din ito na maisali sa aklatan ng mga kabataan sapagkat hindi basta basta ang pananaliksik na ginawa ng may akda pati na din ang husay ng pagkakaguhit ng mga dibuhista. Kahit papaano ay binuhay nila ang nakalimutang bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino. Saludo ako sa mga ganitong klase ng proyektong pambata.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Philippine Mythology, Young Adult</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">Apat</span> <span style="font-size: large;">na kwintas</span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: large;">na bawang</span>&nbsp;na nakasabit sa bintana</span><br /><div><br /></div></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-21553730906365577882015-09-12T22:40:00.001+08:002015-09-12T22:40:45.798+08:00Mr Robot Season 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">The Season 1</span> Finale doesn't feel like a finale at all but still, a great series comparable to the 90's movie <b>Hackers</b> meeting <b>Trainspotting</b> and <b>Fight Club</b>&nbsp;on a highway collision course.<br />I'm looking forward to Season 2.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_pCnCo5c5w/VfQ5E4Cd49I/AAAAAAAAD5A/-GR5KFRksMU/s400/mrrobot-key-art.jpg" width="308" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Format: TV series (Netflix)</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating:<span style="font-size: large;"> 4</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">moot credit cards</span> out of 5</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-78487130070738114232015-08-30T00:56:00.001+08:002015-08-30T09:19:49.125+08:00SIXTY SIX by Molina & Sta Maria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">I was like a fish</span> at the end of a hook when I saw Whilce Portacio's back cover blurb heralding the "polished full package" of this adult Filipino comic book.<br /><br />I agree with the quality layouts and the well-crafted dialogue but the reason and origin behind the main character's "gift" of &nbsp;superhuman abilities on his 66th birthday really needs an explanation or at least a clue to be counted as a sound sci fi story. If I try to look at it as an Urban Fantasy, I am inclined to think that Celestino Cabal was just imagining things starting on the eve of his birthday and will probably wake up from the heartbreaking ending of Kabanata 4. <br /><br />I like the Filipino urban setting that is very realistic. I like Sta Maria's style of illustration as we saw in his previous collaboration work <a href="http://booktripper.blogspot.com/2012/05/skyworld-vol-1.html" target="_blank">Skyworld</a>. The sidekick here is at least smart and the story in general is emotionally engaging but still it doesn't perfectly feel like a complete one shot, full story-in-one-book as I expected. I thought I was missing some pages before the final scene. I just hope that Kabanata 5 (or more) is out there somewhere, waiting to be told because the story that runs through Kabanata 1-4 needs a resolution.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9QeldiFTDk/VeJVzLW8WOI/AAAAAAAAD3A/6QHUwRj45LM/s1600/sixtysix.png" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Urban Fantasy, Pinoy Superhero</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3 slices</span> of birthday cake</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-25352880324078998322015-08-12T22:04:00.000+08:002015-08-13T00:35:49.017+08:00Michael Punke's The Revenant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKbUOTSyNnY/VctRYbxLQII/AAAAAAAADz0/UD8Imwyv6zw/s1600/Revenant_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKbUOTSyNnY/VctRYbxLQII/AAAAAAAADz0/UD8Imwyv6zw/s320/Revenant_Cover.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I</span>&nbsp;was expecting an explosive slam-bang ending but the epigraph (Romans 12:19) stated it clearly albeit differently. It's basically a revenge story with a surprising kill-joy ending, but the commendable quality of this novel by Michael Punke hinges on the realistic and brutal depiction of a frontier life ever since the historical adventures of Lewis and Clarke. If you love scouting and surviving the outdoor life mostly within the winter-spring seasons, you will enjoy this book.<br /><br />The reader may be treated with a story of one man's obsession for vengeance, but the author's effort in searching historical documents about the life of Hugh Glass and the history of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company while infusing them with legend aptly defined the novel. What stood out here is the balance between fact and fiction, history and legend.<br /><br />Passing that balance category probably made the novel also pass the threshold of a film material, as the movie adaptation will be released by December this year with the main hero Hugh Glass being portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The ending may be different from the novel and I'm looking forward to it.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QRfj1VCg16Y" width="500"></iframe> <span style="color: orange;"><br /></span><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Category: Historical Fiction, Survival, Action, Adventure</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3-foot</span> <span style="font-size: large;">hunting rifle</span></span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-23014797266814501862015-08-10T12:46:00.000+08:002015-08-10T12:50:37.925+08:00Adam David's The El Bimbo Variations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epqIGzjM6ww/VcgqClM4wJI/AAAAAAAADzc/VBJkiZv0Zak/s1600/elbimbocover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epqIGzjM6ww/VcgqClM4wJI/AAAAAAAADzc/VBJkiZv0Zak/s320/elbimbocover.gif" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Ang Huling El Bimbo</span> unarguably is Eraserheads' most popular heartbroken song. It is the anthem of a generation, the nostalgic Pinoy Gen X and Gen Y (Basti Artadi practically described them as teenyboppers) demographic. It's easy to see that Adam David belonged in that group and using Queneau and le Lionnais' Oulipo system as his weapon-of-choice, the author here executed a well-planned literary "heist" and ran away unscathed making us readers asking out for more deconstruction+reform, and more fun. I am actually asking &nbsp;for a Shake Yer Head Variations as a sequel. I think it's more fun.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The rule of the game looks simple: focus on the first line&nbsp;<i>"Kamukha mo si Paraluman, nung tayo ay bata pa"</i>&nbsp;then deconstruct/revise/reform it using Oulipian constraints while anchored within the 90's Pinoy context to create a new piece of literature. Try it and you'll realize it's not so easy as it seems. At this instant I can only create a "Bullied &amp; Spiteful Version" of it, in my own childhood context. It's far from being heartbroken literally: <i>"Kamukha mo si Buaya, nung tayo ay bata pa..."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My most favorite constraints here are <i>Dalit</i> (for obvious reasons), <i>Ad Copy</i>, <i>Spoonerisms</i>, and <i>Limerick</i>. The end notes I think is the best and most important part of the book especially for readers with weak or zero literary background like me. I would have rated this book lower if there is no end note. Reading this without an end note is like a Martian trying to appreciate an abstract art by Henri Matisse. Adam David describes the Oulipian technique of writing constraints as a marriage of mathematics and literature. The product of that technique is this book. And since the author promotes it freely from its first public release in 2005, you can download a copy <a href="https://cldup.com/k4hSN2dRT2.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> thanks to Cloudup.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1J4bePovHM/Vcgqbmhi6rI/AAAAAAAADzg/AiEhFk7uw5g/s320/Paraluman.gif" width="240" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: orange;">Category: Poetry</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3.5 cuts</span> of Goat Placenta soap</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-37370309911692207802015-07-28T10:05:00.000+08:002015-07-28T10:12:20.460+08:00Walking in for Windows 10, with caution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">The availability</span> of downloading Windows 10 OS is just a sleep away in the Pacific region. But before installing the supposedly "final" Windows OS this week, I have to keep reminding myself to finish the backing up procedures (restore disc+ system image file+&nbsp;personal data backup) before testing the waters. And I have to keep reminding myself that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Free bug, yes. But NO free lunch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDa67TnwM0w/VbbjKkSQWqI/AAAAAAAADzA/RwE22ydxCRw/s1600/2015-07-28_09-46-27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDa67TnwM0w/VbbjKkSQWqI/AAAAAAAADzA/RwE22ydxCRw/s400/2015-07-28_09-46-27.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-3091324653922323562015-07-24T10:42:00.000+08:002015-07-30T10:09:26.460+08:00The Indispensable Calvin & Hobbes (1992)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yPbqD6wLEE/VbGkw9KZ8PI/AAAAAAAADyk/maVw92QVofE/s320/2015-07-21_15-22-39.png" width="251" /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Even if Bill Watterson</span> ended the adventures of a rascal and his sardonic stuff tiger 20 years ago, there is still no comic strip in this world that has the same depth and meaning than Calvin &amp; Hobbes. The 1992 collection easily earns my 5/5 rating simply because of <a href="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/booktripper/2015-07-24_10-15-09_zpsv5eaun3r.png" target="_blank">this</a>. The execution of a wordless story is perfect.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Humor, Comic strips</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">5 flying snow balls</span> out of 5</span><br /><br /></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-27998251349339126422015-06-13T14:04:00.000+08:002015-06-13T14:04:50.503+08:00100 of the Worst Ideas in History<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Reading this e-book is NOT a bad idea at all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ306qgqjTg/VXvHhAIrQjI/AAAAAAAADyA/kkeNuR6_8zc/s1600/2015-06-13_13-31-34.tif" /></div><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: History, Factoids</span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3 kilos</span> of <span style="font-size: large;">Frankenfish</span></span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-550526479459285088.post-64106328089857001832015-05-28T17:09:00.000+08:002015-05-28T20:31:06.915+08:00Rawlicious Superfoods by Peter and Bery Daniel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been</span> doing a lot of guerrilla cooking lately and this book is one of my newly discovered guide to learn the habit of cooking better foods off from the traditional Pinoy menu of meats, oils, herbs, and spices.<br /><br />This is not a traditional review. Because this book is basically a reference and I will surely return to reading it again and again as much as the mission of cooking better foods continue to evolve through time. &nbsp;This book may earn a different rating for my next reading but it wont matter; for more than just a cook book, this is also loaded with historical and practical information on specific native fruits, herbs, seaweeds, mushroom, hemp, honey, the Cacao seeds, even the Baobab tree from Africa---all that can be organically and naturally grown and harvested.<br /><br />The illustrations inside the book are very good and interesting. The authors described it clearly in the How to Use this Book section: &nbsp;"Each magical superfood illustration has a corresponding mandala and has been inspired by hours of discussion around its historical use, medicinal benefits, and mythology."<br /><br />After seeing a cut of an image of "Tino-tino"--a familiar childhood wild fruit and known commonly as caped gooseberry, I knew the authors know what they are writing about but I can only wish that they also consider more native plants from Southeast Asia (not just native fruits from China and Japan) &nbsp;because I know we have more to offer than just a variation of coconut species. Southeast Asians also have diverse ways of cooking native foods. Just look at how you cook adobo and check its derivatives in the Adobo Book by Alejandro &amp; Lumen.<br /><br />Being mostly raw and non-meat, the steps are easy to follow and each menu wont take long to prepare. Most of the steps end in "blending them all" because we dont want to waste nutrients in cooking. In the Functional Food section: "Emphasis is placed on eating green leafy vegetables by either juicing or blending them. Choosing organic food is almost more important than keeping it raw."<br /><br />The authors also suggested aiming at least 50% &nbsp;raw component in the diet. I also learned in this book that the toxin acrylamide starts to form in foods when cooked above 248°F (120°C). By just looking at how we traditionally grill meats, I know 120°C is very easy to reach especially when you rush your barbecue before the New Year's Eve's festivity. Additionally, there is a procedure here on how to prepare a Bao Beer from the powdered Baobab seed including tips on storing foods and using the right kind of food containers (to slow down the decomposition) as well as choosing the preferred kitchen tools like blenders, juicers, and dehydrators &nbsp;or driers.<br /><br />The suggestions in Quality is Key section are noteworthy even if they are not so easy to follow but it all just lead to how you balance your preferred kind of food. We all follow certain guides for food and all I can say is that this book is a good alternative. When food is no longer food, then perhaps it's time to try the Superfoods cooked in low-heat and dense in essential nutrients.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mw5NXyA1H34/VWbayZBtkpI/AAAAAAAADxo/hPzRuO2_jLc/s400/2015-05-28_14-28-45.png" width="320" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Rating: <span style="font-size: large;">3.5 cups </span>of <span style="font-size: large;">Bao Sorbet</span></span><br /><span style="color: orange;">Genre: Reference, Non Fiction</span></div>narj salazarhttps://plus.google.com/109499515820679949007noreply@blogger.com0